Mary Ann Berg, 83
DALTON — Mary Ann Berg, age 83, of Dalton, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, following a short period of declining health.
Mary Ann was born on August 22, 1942, in Wooster, Ohio, to the late Walter and Ellen (Getchell) Brillhart. She graduated from Smithville High School in 1960 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Bluffton College. She later received her Vocational Teaching Certificate from The Ohio State University.
On August 8, 1964, she married the love of her life, Jerry W. Berg, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Marshallville. Together they shared more than 61 years of marriage and built a life centered on faith, family, and community.
Mary Ann began her career as a vocational home economics teacher at Dalton High School teaching for two years before dedicating herself to raising her family. After her children were grown, she returned to education as a substitute teacher, serving the Dalton Local Schools for 18 years. In addition, she worked alongside her husband in operating their family farm Berg Polled Herefords and Berg’s Tax Service where she was integral in building a customer focused business. Many relationships were built in the operation of both the farm and the tax business with customers coming to depend on and appreciate Mary Ann, who Jerry said would rather talk to her than him!
A lifelong servant of her church and community, Mary Ann was a devoted member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Marshallville. She shared her faith through her involvement as a youth leader, on the Sunday School team, and a Vacation Bible School volunteer. She was also active in numerous agricultural organizations, including the Buckeye Hereford Association, the American Hereford Association, American and Ohio Cattle Women and Farm Bureau. Her dedication to youth extended to years serving as the Organizational Advisor for Dalton Stitch & Chatter 4H Club and the National Organization of Poll-ettes (NOP) (later the National Hereford Women) Queen contest chair. In 2007 she was awarded the National Poll-ette of the Year for her contributions to the Hereford breed and youth. As a member of the strategic planning committee to combine the NOP and American Hereford Women, Mary Ann had the distinct honor to serve as the newly formed National Hereford Women’s 1st President. She also served as a Certified Hereford Beef Ambassador, traveling the US and promoting Hereford Beef at many local supermarkets.
Mary Ann found joy in creating a welcoming home for family and friends, cooking and baking (most famous for her Christmas tea rings and unparalleled tomato sauce) and a talented seamstress making clothing and costumes for her children and most recently altering a granddaughter’s wedding dress. She especially cherished time spent on the family pontoon boat at Atwood Lake, attending cattle shows and agricultural events, and celebrating life’s special moments with her children and grandchildren. Her greatest pride was her family, and she treasured every opportunity to gather with them in her home or around the fire by the grain bins. Many yearly summer memories were made with friends who became family at Camp Luther praising God, recharging faith and playing lots of Euchre. In recent years Mary Ann loved to spend Mother’s Day with her family attending a Cleveland Guardians game.
In addition to her husband, Jerry, she is survived by her four children, Lisa (Brian) Gwin of Dalton, Michael (Patricia) Berg of Dalton, Jennifer (Brad) Barone of Jackson Township, and Mary Beth (Chad) Day of Delaware; eleven grandchildren, Alyssa (Ian) Hardgrove, Harrison (Ashton Vogelhuber) Gwin, Garrett Gwin, Bennet (Rachel) Gwin, Hannah (Blake) Burkhart, Sydney Berg, Colin Berg, Riley Berg, Ethan Day, Trenton Day, Aiden Barone; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Karen Gordon, Larry Brillhart, and Garry Brillhart.
Friends may call at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 7404 Coal Bank Road, Marshallville on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m for an open house reception. Please drop by at your convenience to share light refreshments and memories for a life well lived (the family requests no receiving line). On Saturday, June 20, 2026 viewing will be 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the church, with Pastor John Butchko officiating. Burial will follow in the cemetery at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church with a meal immediately after lovingly provided by church members.
Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at aublefuneralhomes.com.
